Arising from foundations in green and eco-consumerism, ethical consumption is a multidisciplinary area of research. This shortform book presents an expert view of the empirical evidence on ethical consumption, incorporating perspectives from marketing, psychology and sociology.
It takes both a historical and a thematic perspective, covering definitions of ethical consumption, typologies of ethical consumer practices, successes brought about from consumer actions and the current challenges. It also focuses on the emergence of contemporary perspectives on ethical consumer behaviour from three discrete perspectives: those focusing on consumer segmentation (the profiling of ethical consumers), those which take a psychological approach (the decision- making processes which underpin ethical consumption) and those which are sociological in nature (the identities and practices which underpin ethical consumption). The book finally synthesises these perspectives in the context of the ‘problems’ that are often claimed to exist, such as the existence of the ‘attitude– behaviour gap’, and provides conclusions which make recommendations for practice and further research.
It will be of interest to academics and students of marketing, consumption and related fields, as well as to practitioners and policymakers who want to understand more about the evidence pertaining to ethical consumers, what motivates them, and how to encourage and educate them to consume more ethically.
Author(s): Alex Hiller, Helen Goworek
Series: State of the Art in Business Research
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 90
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Series Information
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
1 Introduction
2 Ethical Consumption: Definitions and Development
Defining Ethical Consumption and Its Scope
Ethical Consumption Practices
The Impact of Ethical Consumption
Corporate Social Responsibility
Ethical Consumption at the Organisational Level
Ethical Consumption at the Sector Level
Ethical Consumption at the Individual (Consumer) Level
Problems With Ethical Consumption
3 Segmentation Perspectives On Ethical Consumption
Segmentation By Demographic Characteristics
Age
Gender and Gender Identity
Religiosity, Culture and Nationality
Demographic Characteristics: Summary
Segmentation By Ethical Motivation
Consumer Attitudes Towards Ethical Consumption
4 Psychological Perspectives On Ethical Consumption
Expectancy-value Models: the Theories of Reasoned Action and Planned Behaviour
Value-belief/moral Norm Models
The Role of Values
Problems With Values
Trade-offs
Psychological Perspectives: Summary
5 Sociological Perspectives On Ethical Consumption
Consumer Identity Projects
Ethical Consumption as Practice
Sociological Perspectives: Summary
6 Problems in Ethical Consumption Research
Awareness, Knowledge and Intentions
The Attitude–behaviour Gap
Neutralisation and Licensing
Emotions and Outcomes: Dissonance, Guilt and Dissatisfaction
From Tragedies and Myths to Trade-Offs
7 Conclusion: Observations On State of the Art
References
Index
